United States lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at enhancing capacity to hold individuals, group or institution responsible and accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria.
The legislation – Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 – makes provision for potential sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The lawmakers claimed that the proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the impact of previous US actions in Nigeria.
The new bill was disclosed in a post shared on X by US Congressman, Riley Moore.
“Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith,” Moore said.
Moore, a Republican, emphasised the US government’s commitment to global religious freedom, adding, “The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.”
He further noted that the legislation will build upon the momentum of President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent US-Nigeria security framework agreement.
Meanwhile, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, Sean Nelson, praised the new legislation, saying, “Powerhouse team of Representatives Chris Smith and Rep Riley Moore Today introduced a new bill on religious freedom in Nigeria increasing accountability measures, including recommendations for sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Kwankwaso, who introduced Sharia criminal law there.”
The legislation comes amid growing international attention on the rise of sectarian violence in Nigeria.
The bill specifically recommends sanctions against armed groups accused of perpetrating violence, and government figures who have enacted or supported laws that critics say infringe on religious freedom.
